Europe on a Budget? Put this destination on your list.

In an effort to cover another new country this year, I spent the June holiday weekend in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Bratislava is easy to get to from Vienna; it's just a short one hour bus ride away.

Slovakia is a relatively unknown destination for many.

Better known by most Americans as part of Czechoslovakia until the Velvet Revolution ousted the communist regime, Slovakia became an independent nation in 1992.

Some of the city's features still conjure the feeling of it's war-torn and unstable past.

not sure what it is about this tram that screams communism to me, but...

The castle was only recently rebuilt after being in ruin.

We took a free city tour to help understand the city and its history a bit.

We learned there wasn't much to see, except for the 'blue' church. Which was my favorite stop on the three hour tour. (cue Gilligan's Island theme song...)

There are several statues in the Old Town, placed there with the specific purpose of bringing a new energy to the area. They were popular with tourists and more have been added over time.

This guy is my favorite.

We walked around the city. We went up to the castle. We rode the elevator up the UFO tower.

Going to the top is probably not worth your money.

In the end, we chose to spend most of our time checking out the local cafes and bars.

We loved our dinner at this Asian restaurant.

And tried out the 'funki' crepes here for lunch.

And being amazed by the low prices in the city. Six (yes, six) glasses of wine cost only €14.40 at this top rated place.

We had time to see this movie in English, something difficult to do in Milan.

view from the UFO

We rode segways for an hour around the Danube riverside.

Bratislava is worth at least a day if you're in Vienna, but is also a nice, relaxing spot since there are less "must see" places to visit. And, prices here are way less than most other western European countries.

We stayed here and I would definitely stay there again. The breakfast was pretty amazing.

Have you been to Bratislava?

Or another off the radar destination?

I'd love to know what other places I should add to my travel wish list!